Black-Eyed Peas, from Allison

Black-Eyed Peas

2 Tbsp. olive oil
1 Tbp. butter
1 onion, diced
1 small green pepper, diced
1 celery rib, diced
3 bay leaves
a bit of fresh thyme (I put in several sprigs)
2 garlic cloves, minced
1/2 tsp ground allspice
1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
1 cup dried black-eyed peas
1 quart water (less in a crockpot)
salt to taste

Heat the oil and butter in a saucepan over medium heat and saute the ingredients up to and including the garlic for about 15 minutes. Add the allspice and red pepper flakes and saute a couple minutes more to blend the flavors. Cook with the beans and water. About 1/2 hour from the end of cooking, throw in the salt.